The city failed to duplicate its zero-firecracker-injury feat last year as it chalked up three casualties, two of whom “passive” meaning the injuries were not caused by the victims’ direct handling of the pyrotechnic devices during the Christmas and New Year merrymaking.
City Health Officer Rowena Galpo said the blast injury victims were all male, aged six, 23, and 61 years.
Two were residents of San Carlos Heights and Bakakeng Norte while the other was a visitor from Parañaque who was staying at South Drive.
Two of the victims sustained injuries in the eyes and leg caused by kwitis while the six-year old boy sustained a burn in the face after playing with luces. One victim was under the influence of liquor.
Two were treated at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and one at the Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital.
The city maintained its long-running stand to discourage the sale and use of firecrackers and instead mounted community activities for the revelry.
Last year, this effort succeeded as the city achieved a zero casualty status for the first time after years of advocating for safe merrymaking.
The city has an existing ordinance which bans the sale and use of certain firecrackers but it has been the hope of health authorities and previous administrations that the measure can be upgraded to implement a total ban on these pyrotechnic devices. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
April 25, 2024
